Elem Youth In Distress Inc.

ELEM was founded in 1982 by a group of American and Israeli professionals and lay volunteers to help Israel’s population of at-risk youth become productive citizens. Through the years, ELEM has grown and now operates programs in 40 cities and towns nationwide, with a variety of innovative and relevant programs targeted toward different population groups. These youth need help integrating into existing frameworks. To them ELEM offers preventative care and support via counseling centers, shelters, rehabilitation services, online chat and forums, residential and day treatment, vocational training, mentoring, and other social services. ELEM employs 250 counseling and treatment professionals and almost 2,000 volunteers.

ELEM’s Night Outreach Van in the North of the Negev: This grant provides operational support for two van mangers reaching at-risk youth between 12-21 years old, living on the streets of Ofakim and Sderot. ELEM’s Outreach Vans reach youth at-risk by direct contact and building trust, in order to provide access to rehabilitative services.